Black Weight Loss Success

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Kimmy lost 80 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story:  Kimmy lost 80 pounds with exercise and changing her eating habits.

I’d like to share my health journey details with you. When I first started out, I was going on 230 pounds.  It was really difficult doing energy consuming activities.  All I wanted to do was play on the computer and eat, pretty much.  One day I got tired.  I was tired of being tired and I looked in the mirror on Halloween night 2010.  I said to myself, “It’s time for a serious change.”.  Now, I didn’t know a thing about losing weight or health, but I was aware that all the snacking and sodas needed to go.  In the beginning, I traded soda for good ol’ H20 and started trying tea sweetened with honey when I wanted something different.  I monitored what I was consuming, cut out all fast foods and set my portion sizes.  As far as exercise, I began walking for an hour a day (that was so hard).  I will always remember that burn, but I told myself that the pain is my body changing!  After a week or so, I began incorporating jogging intervals to my walks.  I was feeling amazing!  I was getting stronger!  I began studying tips and facts about diet and exercise.  I used to be afraid of weights (due to rumors about women and bodybuilding.  I didn’t want to get manly.).  Time passes on and I went from 1 push up to 40 push ups.  I loved that I was becoming stronger.  Eventually, I started incorporating weight training.  My body was changing quickly!

As of today, I have my protein for breakfast.  It could be basic 2 eggs or a smoothie, as long as I’ve got my protein. I make sure that I eat every 2 to 3 hours, for example some carrots, apple sauce, peanut butter banana sandwich on whole wheat (fav), protein bar, a small salad, dried veggies or fruit.  If I have to have a certain food that may not be the most healthy, I research how to make it in a healthy alternative way.  It’s your mindset over everything.  There is always temptation and there always will be, but it’s up to you to take control of the wheel and shut up and drive to that wonderful place called (health).  Sitting here today, I can honestly say that I am proud of me and I thank God for the strength, perseverance and knowledge granted to me me along the way.

Kimmy weight loss

Kira lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Kira who has lost 30 pounds and 15 inches overall.

I’ve been struggling with weight loss my entire life. Recently I decided to make a change and really, REALLY focus on doing something about it. Mostly for medical reasons and slightly because I wanted to look different, look smaller (for once in my life).

I found different weight loss groups and challenges online via YouTube, or Facebook friends, and joined them. Those included eating healthy and working about 45 – 60 minutes per day. Within this time, I easily lost inches while not losing many pounds. After a while, I started incorporating lifting weights in my routine and noticed that while I was slimming and gaining muscle, I was also losing weight and looking much smaller. To date, I have lost over 30 lbs and about 15 inches overall! I am so proud of myself!  I can’t believe that while still eating what I want (and being more aware of healthy choices) that I still managed to lose weight, gain & tone muscle, and look much leaner and healthier than ever before. I haven’t been this weight since 2010! I am super excited for the future and cant wait to reach my goal weight of 200 lbs! I was a size 24 and now fit loosely into an 18!! I am just SO HAPPY!!!

Kira weight loss

Dee lost 70 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Dee lost 70 pounds.  This grandmother of 8 was motivated by wanting to be around for a long time for those children.

Hello, my name is Darlene and I began my Weight Loss Journey in 2011.  It’s been an up and down road, but I am hanging in there. I changed my eating habits and started exercising. So to all you women that think its impossible start reaching for the its possible. I have lost 70 lbs so far, I am not done yet. Good luck and best wishes to you all.

What motivated me to lose weight was health issues. I have 8 lovely grandchildren so I want to be around for a long time! (Smile). Anyway, my daughter who is 38 years old started with me, we started portion control on our food and really began to eat healthy. We ate more vegetables and lean meats (mostly chicken breast skinless).   We also ate more fruits.  With this change we started walking everyday. Our walking increased mile after mile and the pounds just seemed to melt away. I love my new lifestyle. My starting weight was 254 pounds and I am glad to say that today I weighed in at 184 pounds.  I have 30 more pounds to lose.  It takes determination and dedication to succeed, and I finally made up my mind to do it even at 57 years old. I also do aerobics daily and strength training at times. It really works.

Dee weight loss

Akeema lost 91 pounds

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Let’s show Akeema some BWLW love and congratulations for her 91 pounds lost.  After dealing with the pain of losing her mom, she was able to change her life and find greater fitness through belly dancing and adopting a plant-based eating lifestyle (vegan).

Here is my pic and my story. I was typically an overweight child, but was able to grow out of it and lose weight in college. During my college years, my mom got ill and I was failing all over the place.  Grades, health, relationships and the whole nine. When I came home from school, I was getting prepared to be married and mom passed away. Being so devastated I just continued to let myself go, to the point of reaching over 320 pounds. I spent all of 2010 crying, praying, hoping for a change, and then a girlfriend invited me to a Belly dance class. It was the start of a revolution for me. I began dancing, going to the gym, running and became vegan in 2012. I am part of a Belly dance Troupe.  I continue to not only lose weight and eat clean, but also encourage others that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Today, I am at 229 pounds and still losing.

I’ve been vegetarian for 13 years but went vegan April 2012. When I made that choice, I realized that I became more aware of what I eat. I don’t count calories but I am aware of how foods I eat affect my body. I read up on food and know how food affects the various parts of my body. I shop in the grocery store 3 to 4 times a week. I don’t eat any whites (bread rice sugar). I eat veggies with every meal including breakfast. I eat raw vegan as much as possible. When I go out to eat (very rare) I ask tons of questions about what is in my food. When I go to people’s functions, I typically bring a lunch bag with my favs fruits and veggies. I aim to eat several small meals per day. My shelves and freezer stay empty as I avoid processed foods as much as possible (vegan foods or not processed is processed).

Akeema weight loss

Maria lost 35 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Maria lost 35 pounds. She was inspired to change her life after suffering a number of life trials and seeking God.  She was lead by a friend to watch some helpful documentaries which opened her eyes to what she needed to do to get healthy.

I’m a strong believer that “Everything happens for a reason” even when it hurts.  Back in November 2012, I had a miscarriage (insert sad face) which sent me into a downward spiral. Shortly after, maybe 3 weeks later, I caught pneumonia and shortly after that, tonsillitis.  My body was just so weak and I felt like I was dying, literally. Not to get too deep, but in that moment, I felt like God had left me, even though I knew in my heart, he had not, the devil was just messing with my mind.  God visited me and reassured me that He was right there with me.  I picked myself up and dusted myself off and said, it’s time for a change, no more excuses!!

Now, I was already a plus size woman and had been “talking” about losing weight for years, but I guess I just didn’t have enough motivation to do it. A friend of mine, was talking to be about exercising and becoming a personal trainer.  They told be about these documentaries, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”, “Food Matters” and “Hungry for Change” and I watched all 3 that night on Netflix.  Watch these films changed my life!!!!  It was like a light bulb went on and it all made sense. So immediately, I took pork and beef out of my diet.  I removed just about all processed foods, some dairy and started eating whole foods, fruits, leafy green veggies, and JUICING!!  I started out walking 30 minutes a day and did 20-30 min of cardio for 5-6 days a week! So far, I’ve lost 35 pounds and it feels great!!  This is no “Diet” plan.  It’s a Lifestyle change, and I will continue as long as I’m on this earth!  I want to encourage as many people as I can, that it can be done, and even though my journey isn’t over, I now know that anything is possible when you put your mind to it…and if I can do it, anyone can! Start now, today is the day, tomorrow isn’t promised. God Bless!

Maria weight loss

Maia went from a size 26 to a size 16/18

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Maia went from a size 26 to a size 16/18 and has been inspired to create a clothing line for curvy girls.

“In 1999, I found myself divorced and a single parent to a beautiful 6 week old baby girl. If I wasn’t sleeping due to depression, I was eating to comfort myself. I was at a size 26 and miserable. I would start a “diet”, and would remain motivated for just a few days. I found myself starting over every New Year, but by February I was back to the same routine. In 2009, I had a breakthrough. I began loving myself as I was.  As I began to forgive and allow God to heal me from rejection, I was able to make changes for me. My journey to wholeness and wellness was about me, not anyone else. I am now a size 16/18 and have a ways to go, but continue to take it one day at a time. I am committed to exercising 3 days a week and limit my intake of red meat to twice a month. With a new lease on life, I have stepped out in faith and launched my own apparel line on March 5, 2013 called Stiletto Chic Apparel.  The apparel is casually chic and caters to the average size woman to plus size (additional sizes and styles to come soon.) My blog on my website will allow me to share my thoughts and hopefully encourage other women to never lose sight of who they are and what they can become. I am grateful to Black Women Losing Weight and the encouragement this page provides. It is great to know that I am not on this journey alone.”

Maia weight loss story

A Lia lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: A Lia lost 58 pounds going from 278 pounds to 220 pounds since September 2012.  Here is what she shared with us:

I never ever noticed any difference in the way I looked or felt because my friends and family love me regardless.  Inside and out. I was cool due to having just one set of mirrors throughout the house that show me from the neck up. It took just that one day to pay attention to a camera while I was entering the grocery store. I couldn’t believe it! As a matter of fact, I remember saying “Oh my gosh look at me!” over and over again. That day I promised myself I was gonna make a change. As of 9/13/12, I  began watching what I put into my body and walking whenever something is stressing me out.

I did a little research and stumbled upon the food pyramid and learned to watch my caloric intake. I drink plenty of water.  I switched up my cardio every other day.  I do three days of walking for thirty minutes and two days of running. What kept me motivated was me actually going out buying a full body mirror and taking a picture, posting that picture on my room door, refridge, and bathroom. I also watch YouTube videos on weight loss.   A young lady  who’s page is “divaslimdown” inspired me.  I said if she can do it I can. I kept my calorie intake at 1200 a day and left all sweets alone.   The only sweetener I would use was stevia. Tea, coffee and water were my only liquids. I drink eight glasses water a day. My snacks were fruits; apples and oranges.  My meals are portion controlled.   If it didn’t fit in the palm of my hand, it wasn’t going on my saucer.  I stayed away from oils and fat and I baked or grilled everything. I also incorporated a small salad “no meat added” with everything I ate.  At the end of November, I noticed results but didn’t weigh myself.  At the beginning of January, I stepped on the scale and wow.. I used to weigh 278 pounds and I was then down to 242 pounds. I’m now 220lbs (as of 4/11/13). I’m still on my journey, not just to look good but be healthy. I want to stay out of danger of a variety of  diseases I can prevent with diet and exercise. I will keep BWLW informed of my progress, changes and how I’m doing with my goals.

Alia weight loss story

Kitamu lost 67 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Kitamu on her 67 pound weight loss.  She has gone from 415  pounds to 348 pounds.  Her motivation was being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  

“I’m 30 years old and I’ve lost a total of 67 pounds.  I started at 415 pounds and I’m currently at 348 pounds.  I hope to lose a total of 175-180 lbs total.  My motivation was after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. I learned that a lot of things I ate caused PCOS symptoms like pelvis pain, missing periods and skin issues. However, it’s when I learned that all this weight could make me infertile, I didn’t want that to happen! I’m not ready for children yet, but I do want to have them.

I started slowly cutting things out like ice cram and replacing them with healthier alternatives like frozen yogurt. Candy bars I cut out completely.  Fried foods and coffee I have limited as well.

My current workout routine is a 30 minute uphill walk 5 days a week and I add yoga when I can. I plan to start a new gym membership next month.

kitamu weight loss

 

Ciera lost 93 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Zeta Phi Beta soror Ciera lost 93 pounds.  She has battled an eating disorder and Rheumatoid Arthritis and come out the other side with greater health and fitness.

“I’ve always struggled with weight in high school I battled eating disorders in order to stay on cheerleading and to remain smaller. I battled in college and surpassed the freshmen 15. Up until last year, I Yo Yo dieted. I finally took back my life joined a gym, got a trainer and took on a new lifestyle not a DIET. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and told if I didn’t lose weight I could lose my ability to walk unassisted at the age of 30. I took my back my life and lost close to 100 lbs. I worked hard and didn’t give up even when I fell off. I went from a size 24 to a 13! I still work out and still dropping pounds I want to let women know they can do it !! It’s not about the Looks its about our health and longevity. I feel better at 30 then I did at 20!!!

I have lost 93lbs to date. I first started working out 30 mins a day everyday then went to an hour workout 6 days a week.   Then I changed to 2 hour workout 5 days a week. I had a trainer for 4 mos who motivated me to do intense cardio and strength training. During the winter months, I did Zumba classes and danced a lot which is my favorite hobby.   Dancing helped tone more then anything. Eating – I ate small meals through out the day for example
Breakfast – a protein shake and granola
Am snack – peanut butter granola bar
Lunch – small chicken salad with fat free dressing NO croutons
Pm snack – a slice of cheese usually I would get Kraft block of cheddar cheese
Dinner Fish And some sort of green veggie no bread and I only ate brown rice once a week
Dessert – sugar free pudding

I still adhere to this each week but have found many new recipes.  I don’t eat pork and beef, however I will eat a slice of bacon here and there. My system can’t handle a steak, I noticed after 6 months beef free.  I drink iced coffee but use Splenda and low fat creamer. It’s better to make my own rather then purchase from Starbucks because it can be loaded with unseen sugar.”

Ciera weight lossUpdate 7/5 : Zeta Soror Ciera was featured in April ( www.blackweightlosssuccess.com/ciera-lost-93-pounds ) and she sent us an update: “I want to say thank you to your members and my Sorors within your group! I shared my story back in April and I have stayed focused and have lost an additional 25 pounds, Bringing my weight loss to 118 lbs in over a year ! I have just started my own Curvy Diva Bootcamp to help women tone and feel better about our curves!!! And thank you for all you do!!”

 

Sherese and Petra lost the weight together

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Check out this great story of 2 friends losing weight together.  Sherese and Petra partnered for greater fitness and health.  Petra wrote to tell us about their journey.  We featured her weight loss story back in March.

“I wanted to submit this timeline photo of me and my accountability partner Sherese. Too often, women want to drop the pounds fast and don’t focus on HEALTH, WELLNESS and FITNESS. Sherese & I were both 200 lbs our heaviest EVER! We decided that we would get back to how we were when we first met one another in 2004. Today we look BETTER.

1. We started on a 30 nutrition plan which included incorporating 

  • protein shakes
  • green tea extract/ginseng infused water
  • herbal teas (no juice or sodas)
  • multivitamins & supplements
  • probiotics & digestive enzymes
  • We cut out inflammatory foods (soy, dairy, peanuts, gluten, refined sugars

2. We started out doing 12-20 minute dance exercise on ON DEMAND,  then gradually increased to 30-50 minute

3. I joined a gym (5 months in).  Sherese created a home gym with couple dumbells, elastic bands & ankle weights.

4. We held each other accountable by:

  • checking in with each other
  • sending each other our workout plan for the week
  • sharing what did for our workouts and keeping each other accountable
  • sharing meal options/recipes
  • shopping together
  • doing health/wellness/fitness vision boards and photo shopping our heads onto the bodies we desired

5. Doing a 7 day detox cleanse every 3 months or as needed”

friends' lose weight together